2 Messages from the Superior General…

 

We are by now recognizing the whole magnitude of the catastrophe which so many people have suffered in so many parts of Asia, but especially in Sri Lanka and India. In the name of the General Administration I want to express again to you, to your relatives and acquaintances, and to the people you serve our condolences, our prayer and our solidarity. We do not understand God’s plans but we know that God asks us in such situations to show ourselves as neighbors.

 

Please find attached a few of the messages which I have received, including two from other congregations that are close to us. Together these messages give us an idea of how serious the situation is. I admire your prompt and generous response to the pressing needs; this is something truly Oblate.

 

Though I have not had a chance to consult the general council (all are outside Rome at the moment) I want to assure you of our readiness to help in anything we can. I think many Oblates in the Congregation will be eager to do the same once they are asked. Please let us know of your needs and how we can be of assistance to you.

 

Let us keep united in prayer. I send you fraternal greetings in the name of the whole general administration. 28/12/2004 22:34

 

From GS-JPIC (Rome)… 26-12-04

We watch the news of the devastation wrought by the Tsunamis in the costal areas of Sri Lanka, Indonesia, India, Thailand and Malaysia… We remember you and your people in prayers as they begin to pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives.

 

We express our solidarity with your country folks as they face yet another tragic devastation in a seemingly endless travail…  During this season of Christmas, we, more than ever, pray for HOPE to shine upon your people…

Pace e Bene!

 

From the OMI Province of Brazil... (27/12/2004 15:53)

Desde Brasil los oblatos estamos en comunion con el pueblo de Asia y las victimas de la tsunami en la region! Acompañamos con atencion y oracion todas las noticias de los periodicos internacionales! Tenemos la esperanza de que las malas noticias divulgadas hasta hoy puedan ser amenizadas con la solidariedad de todos los que viven cercanos de la region y de los demás paises que envian ayuda humanitaria en este momento de tristeza! Transmita a los oblatos de India, Sri Lanka y a los que viven en la zona nuestra más profunda solidariedad! Unidos con ustedes en la oracion y tenendo la certeza de que nuestro Buen Dios acompãna su sufrimento, partilhamos manifestamos nuestra comunion y sentimiento por lo que se pasó!  Abrazo de Esperanza,

Lindomar Dantas de Abreu, OMI (En nombre de los Oblatos de Brasil).

 

 

From the OMI Delegation in Peru... 27/12/2004 16:20

Please express our deepest sympathy for the peoples affected. With our prayers       

 

From OMI Ukraine...  (27/12/2004 21:27)

We pray for people and for our oblates who stay with them after catastrophe.

 

From France...  (28/12/2004 07:53)

Thanks so much for your concern and help to participate. I know personally all these places. My God! Through TV, through your mail, we know, we pray. If we can do something more, tell us.

 

From México… (28/12/2004 19:44)

Te escribo con el deseo que te encuentres bien de salud y muy animado en tu ministerio. Te agradezco mucho la información que me envías. Todo eso nos ayuda a solidarizarnos con los que sufren. Pronto enviaré correos para los oblatos de Asia. Te agradezco si me dices de qué manera nos podemos solidarizar con los oblatos más afectados por el maremoto.

 

From JPIC US Province...

I’m sure that all of you have heard about the tragedy of the tsunami which hit many of the countries surrounding the Indian Ocean.  Many of you, no doubt, are wondering how this has impacted your brother Oblates.  We have heard from Fr. Oswald Firth, OMI, who has visited the US several times, and, of course, met many of you.  Below his letter are a set of updates sent by Fr. Eliseo (Jun) Mercado, OMI.  If you feel called, there are many organizations collecting money for relief, including Catholic Relief Services.  If we hear of further action/advocacy needed, we will certainly let you know.

 

From the US…

Thanks for sharing these thoughts and prayers with me, and indeed for keeping us informed about Oblates in the disaster area. I took particular note of Norbert Andradi’s message. In prayerful communion,

 

I am thinking about asking friends and relatives to send donations for the victims of Tsunamis. I would like to perhaps have a specific Oblate' name and situation to whom the money could be sent.  Are you able to furnish me with any information

like that?  If not, let me know to whom I would send the money and I will let my friends and relatives know who will disburse the money.

 

Please send me any information you have about our Oblates in the region effected by the tsunami and their needs for help.  I want to put together an appeal to our Oblate parishes in Miami.  Thanks and Blessed New Year. 

 

From the General Treasurer…

Thanks for GS-JPIC taking the lead on the OMI solidarity assistance to the victims… 29/12/2004 09:43

David Kalert has asked to meet with me tomorrow morning to talk about the assistance the US Province can offer.  They will do something. 31/12/2004 01:00

 

From the Philippine Province…

Thank you for the information you have shared with us. The Philippine province would like to donate to the Sri Lankan and Indian Relief Centers (One Thousand US Dollars) 1000 USD each.  May we request the Treasurer Genenral's Office to facilitate fund transfer from our account to the accounts of Sri Lanka and India. 

 

We are one with you in this mission of solidarity with them.  God bless.

 

From Argentina…

De mi mayor consideración. Atento a la solicitud de ayuda pro Asia. Habiendo conversado con el Provincial el P. Omar Friedrich, se decide hacer por el momento una contribución de U$D 1.000.-

Disponer de ese monto desde la Cta. Cte. en la Administración General del Sector Argentino, número 22100-501.

Desde ya les enviamos un abrazo fraterno en Cristo y María Inmaculada.

 

From Bishop Peifer, OMI of San Antonio Texas...

I received your appeal for help, and the dioceses of the United States are receiving many appeals for help.  Just yesterday I organized an appeal to help the thousands and thousands of our brothers and sisters who are in great suffering after the terrible earthquake.  I have already committed my efforts to provide assistance through Catholic Relief Services of the U.S. Bishops' Conference.  I am sure that some of this asssistance will be coming your way.

 

As we strive to provide material help, we also send you our prayers and our spiritual support as we join with you in solidarity in this moment of great suffering and trial. 

 Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI (29/12/2004 21:34)

 

From Bolivia…

Es muy grave la situación en el Sudste asiático: 100.000 muertos, 400.000 desaparecidos y tanta gente que se quedó sin nada, el peligro de las epidemias...Pero. gracias a Dios, la solidaridad internacional se está moviendo. Consultaré al Padre provincial si podemos hacer algo como provincia oblata. Te avisaré después. La solidaridad es lo lindo de esta situación tan desastrosa...

 

From South Africa...  31/12/2004 11:14

 

From DR Congo… (02/01/2005 09:10)

Les oblats du Congo ont appris avec amertume et consternation ce qui s'est passé en Asie. Fils d'une même famille. Nous communions à la souffrance de nos

confrères. C'est ainsi qu' à titre symbolique, nous envoyons une contribution de 1000$ au nom de la province du Congo.

 

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